Cale Makar's Record Contract: A Sound Investment for Colorado
The Colorado Avalanche have committed $163.2 million over eight years to defenseman Cale Makar, making him the first player in NHL history with an average annual value above $20 million. Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, who has played alongside some of the greatest blueliners in the sport's history, sees little reason for concern with the landmark agreement.
Pronger, speaking on the contract that begins in the 2027-28 season, described the deal as a win for both parties. He believes the Avalanche have secured the one player around whom their future should be built, and he does not anticipate a decline in Makar's production over the life of the contract.
What makes Makar's contract historic?
Makar's eight-year extension carries a $20.4 million cap hit, the highest in NHL history. The contract is structured with significant signing bonuses, including a $4 million base salary and $16.8 million signing bonus in the first year of the extension.
The two-time Norris Trophy winner has established himself as one of the league's premier defensemen. In 2022, he became the first defenseman in Avalanche history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy after helping Colorado capture the Stanley Cup.
How does Makar's résumé compare to the greats?
Makar has been a Norris finalist in six of his first seven full NHL seasons, a feat matched only by Bobby Orr. He reached 500 career points in 467 games, the fourth-fastest among defensemen in league history behind Orr, Paul Coffey and Denis Potvin.
In the 2025-26 season, Makar recorded 79 points in 75 games and became the first defenseman since Phil Housley and Al MacInnis in 1992 to post three consecutive 20-goal seasons.
Should Colorado be concerned about injuries?
Makar dealt with an upper-body injury late last season that forced him to miss the first two games of the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights. He returned for Game 3, but Colorado was swept.
Pronger acknowledged that injury is the only potential concern, but he noted that Makar has been remarkably durable throughout his tenure with the Avalanche.
“There's not a lot of cons other than the potential issue if there was an injury,” Pronger said.
What does the contract mean for Colorado's future?
The extension gives Colorado certainty in planning around Makar without worrying about his next contract or the possibility of another team acquiring him. The Avalanche already have Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas committed long term, and Makar is now secured through 2034-35.
The challenge for general manager Joe Sakic and the management team will be finding complementary talent without exceeding the salary cap. Pronger noted that Colorado will need to supplement the roster through college free agency and junior hockey.
Is the $20.4 million cap hit sustainable?
Pronger believes the deal will become more manageable as the salary cap rises. He suggested that by years four, five and six of the contract, the cap hit could look considerably more reasonable relative to the team's overall payroll.
The Avalanche previously traded forward Mikko Rantanen in 2025, a decision that drew criticism from former Colorado forward Nazem Kadri, who wrote on social media, “Rule number one: You always keep the dawgs ... #96.”
Colorado could not keep Rantanen, but it has ensured it is keeping Makar. Pronger's assessment is clear: the Avalanche have made a sound investment in a proven superstar.